Sponsored: Expand Your Business Model with Products from Nest

Sponsored by Nest Easy sales and easy installation add profit to your bottom line The market for smart-home technology is

Sponsored by Nest

Easy sales and easy installation add profit to your bottom line

The market for smart-home technology is about to change in major ways. First, the demand for smart-home devices is growing beyond first adopters; ordinary homeowners also want to lower their home’s energy usage and increase overall security. Plus, they’re interested in the latest home automation devices they can control from their smartphones. More importantly, however, studies show that mainstream homeowners want to buy those products from a knowledgeable sales team and get them professionally installed*.These do-it-for-me (DIFM) customers represent a tremendous growth opportunity for the construction trades that recognize the potential and enter the market early. If you’re a contractor working in the home improvement area, installing these types of “connectivity” devices can boost your sales and your bottom line.

Three common technologies

Home automation, energy management and Wi-Fi video surveillance devices all work with three common technologies: low-voltage power, a wireless Internet connection and either an Apple or Android smart device. Most electricians, as well as HVAC, alarm, cable TV, home theater, IT consulting, home automation and home networking contractors, already possess the low-voltage skills required to install energy-saving and security products. Plus, contractors use smartphones, tablets and apps to run their businesses. They simply need to get up to speed on a competing operating system. That is as simple as learning how to locate the app store and download and configure the appropriate app.

The Nest Learning thermostat comes with everything you need for a professional installation. When you’re replacing a round-style thermometer, you simply mount the wiring base directly to the wall and snap on the Nest thermostat. To replace a rectangular thermostat, you also install the metal mounting plate, trim plate and wiring base.

You already have the installation know-how

If you can install a wall anchor and label thermostat wires, you can install an energy-saving Nest Learning Thermostat**. It’s a simple swap using the home’s existing thermostat wires. There may be a few applications in older homes where you’ll have to install a common wire adapter unit, but they’re also low-voltage and easy to install. Once installed, the Nest Learning Thermostat takes over, eliminating the mind-numbing programming required by all the other energy-saving thermostats.

Nest security cameras are even easier to install. The Nest Cam IQ indoor security camera comes with a 10-ft. cable and power adapter. Simply plug it into an AC outlet near the customer’s router. Then configure the app and demonstrate the operation to the homeowner.

The Nest Cam IQ outdoor security camera comes with a 25-ft. power cable and plugs into an existing exterior outlet, or you can drill through the exterior wall and connect the unit to an interior outlet (where allowed by code). Connect the wireless camera to the home’s Wi-Fi and register with the app. If the preferred exterior location doesn’t have good Wi-Fi coverage, simply add a Wi-Fi extender to broaden the home’s Wi-Fi range.

Install the Nest Learning thermostat in place of a round unit. To replace a rectangular thermostat, you’ll also install the mounting and trim plate.

Traditional, large, well-established contractors tend to shun new products and technologies and stick with what they’ve done for decades. They do not understand or recognize the market potential in connectivity devices. In other words, there is a huge void in the contractor marketplace that you can use to your advantage. By adding Nest products to your lineup, you can fill the gap, generate more sales and add more profit to your bottom line.

In other words, only The Smart Trades will reap the benefits

If you’re ready to embrace new sales opportunities, your contracting company can lead the way with Nest products. Nest refers to these contractors as “The Smart Trade,” because they recognize the latest trends and enter the new markets early. Nest broadens your sales opportunities by offering a thermostat for every homeowner. Your customers can choose from the fully featured Nest Learning Thermostat, which automatically programs itself to adapt the home’s energy usage to the homeowner’s lifestyle. Or, install the newest Nest Thermostat E, which is perfect for customers who want energy savings and remote control at a lower cost. Both have Nest’s proven energy-saving features, high-quality design and convenient remote control through the Nest app. Close your presentation—and the deal— by sharing the benefits of installing Nest Cam IQ indoor and outdoor security cameras.

The bottom line

Your customers want to save on their home heating and cooling costs. They’re already using smartphone and tablet apps and they’re eager to learn about and buy connectivity devices like the Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Cam IQ indoor and outdoor cameras. Most importantly, they don’t want to self install; they want professional installation and support. That’s where you come into the picture. You already have the professional installation skills and know how to sell and close the deal. If you’re looking to expand your business in a growth area that will last for decades, you owe it to yourself to explore connectivity business opportunities with Nest products. For more information go to pro.nest.com

*2016 Houzz + Home Report: Consumer interests among smart home products, Business Intelligence, iControl State of the Smart Home 2015

**Independent studies showed that Nest saved people an average of 10% to 12% on heating and 15% on cooling. Individual savings are not guaranteed.